What drives the price
- Room size & height: More surface area; 9–10 ft ceilings typically add 10–40%.
- Preparation level: Patching, sanding, caulking, priming stains, and protection.
- Coats & color: Most rooms need 2 coats; drastic color changes can require a 3rd.
- Paint line & sheen: Premium lines cost more but cover better and touch up cleaner.
- Local labor: Upstate SC sits near national averages with metro/rural variation.
Typical costs by room size (walls only)
| Room Type | Example | Avg Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (≤150 sqft) | Guest bed, office, powder | $468 |
| Medium (154–266 sqft) | Dining, kitchen, primary bed | $524–$672 |
| Large (224+ sqft with 9’+ ceilings) | Living, family, foyer | ~$724 |
Add ceilings & baseboards: expect $731–$923 depending on height and prep.
What “pro prep” usually includes
- Fill nail holes & minor dings; sand flush
- Cut out & caulk open seams; scuff sand glossy areas
- Spot-prime repairs and stains; prime raw patched spots
- Mask and cover floors, fixtures, furnishings; remove/reinstall plates
- Final cleanup and a labeled touch-up container
Heavier drywall repair, water damage, textured walls/ceilings, smoking residue, or tall foyers add time and cost.
Labor, paint & materials—how it breaks down
- Labor: $312–$436 per room (about 1–2 days depending on size/prep)
- Wall paint: 2 gal total, typically $96–$148 depending on line & sheen
- Ceiling/trim products: add as needed (flat ceiling, enamel for trim)
- Crew context: a 3-person professional crew averages ~$198/hr
Why buying your own paint rarely saves: Pros get contractor pricing and choose the correct line/sheens. Wrong product or too little paint causes delays and extra trips.
Coverage & quantities (rules of thumb)
~350–400 sqft/gal/coat
Plan 2 coats
Flat ceiling paint
1–2 coats
~650–800 LF/gal
Enamel/satin-semi
DIY vs hiring pros
- DIY (already have tools): ~$412 in materials
- DIY (need to buy tools): ~$736
DIY can be rewarding, but expect slower timelines for setup, cutting, and cleanup—especially with tall ceilings.
FAQs
How many gallons for a standard room?
Usually 2–3 gallons for walls (2 coats). If doing ceilings + trim, total paint can reach 4–6 gallons depending on room size.
Do I subtract windows/doors from wall area?
You can, but many pros don’t for quick estimates—corner/cut-in time often offsets that savings.
How do I avoid surprise charges?
Ask for a written scope listing prep steps, exact products, number of coats, and a workmanship warranty. Disclose water damage, tall areas, heavy furniture, and access constraints upfront.
Per-square-foot guide?
Walls only: ~$2.75/sqft of wall surface. Walls + ceilings + trim: ~$4.69/sqft combined.
Method notes
Figures reflect professional repainting in lived-in homes using mainstream premium lines (e.g., Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams) and standard coverage assumptions. Localized for Upstate SC.
